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Simple English definitions for legal terms
sacrilegus
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A quick definition of sacrilegus:
Sacrilegus is a Latin word that means "sacrilegious". In Roman law, it refers to a person who is guilty of sacrilegium, which is the theft of a sacred thing or the violation of an imperial law. This was a serious offense and could result in capital punishment. In later times, sacrilegium became a more general term for neglect or violation of imperial orders or enactments.
A more thorough explanation:
Sacrilegus (sə-kril-ə-gəs) is an adjective and noun that comes from the Latin word "sacrilegious." In Roman law, it refers to a person who is guilty of sacrilegium, which is the theft of a sacred thing or the violation of an imperial law.
- If someone stole a religious artifact from a temple, they would be considered a sacrilegus.
- If someone disobeyed an order from the emperor, they could also be considered a sacrilegus.
These examples illustrate how sacrilegus is used to describe someone who has committed a serious offense against something that is considered sacred or important. In Roman times, these offenses were often punished severely, sometimes even with the death penalty.